BEN Coker scored a superb debut goal as Solihull Moors started the National League season in style with a 4-1 win away at Aldershot Town to move top of the table.
Moors quickly brushed off last season’s Promotion Final disappointment with an emphatic display on the opening day at the EBB Stadium.
Neal Ardley’s side were on the front foot from the first whistle as Ryan Barnett cut inside before his low shot was well held by Aldershot goalkeeper Luca Ashby-Hammond.
And the visitors took the lead on 15 minutes when Joe Sbarra fired the ball home at the second attempt under the body of Ashby-Hammond after Barnett’s cross caused mayhem in the penalty area.
Morgan Owen battles for the ball on his National League debut. Picture by Richard King.
However, the Shots equalised against the run of play on 27 minutes when Inih Effiong headed home after both Andrew Dallas and Sbarra had gone close to doubling Moors’ lead at the other end.
It took Moors just four minutes to regain the lead as Callum Howe’s towering header at the back post from Dallas’s cross left Ashby-Hammond with no chance.
And debutant Coker then made a heroic clearance on the line just before half time to ensure Moors held a slender lead heading into the break.
Solihull struck again just two minutes after the restart when Sbarra kept the ball alive and delivered an inviting cross which was glanced home by the head of Dallas.
Moors should have extended their lead only to squander numerous chances with Barnett dragging an effort just wide before Alex Reid missed two glorious opportunities.
And the visitors eventually found their fourth goal on 67 minutes as Coker curled a superb free-kick over the wall and into the net to cap off a magnificent opening weekend for Ardley’s men.
Solihull also handed a National League debut to elite academy captain Morgan Owen who was brought on for the final few minutes.
Moors are next in action at home to Southend United on Saturday, August 13 with kick-off at 3pm at the ARMCO Arena.
